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Understanding Module Addresses

Understanding AquaBus Addresses and Module Programming

When a new module is added to an Apex system, the module communicates with the Apex to obtain two things:

  • The Apex system’s serial number

  • An available AquaBus address

This AquaBus address is how the Apex identifies and communicates with that module.

What Is an AquaBus Address?

An AquaBus address defines:

  • Which module the Apex is talking to

  • What programming and settings that module should receive

⚠️ Importantly, programming is tied to the AquaBus address, not the physical hardware itself.
For example, when you program the outlets on an EB832, those outlet settings are associated with the EB832’s AquaBus address—not the specific EB832 unit.

What Happens If a Module Loses Its AquaBus Address?

Each module is responsible for remembering the AquaBus address that was assigned to it by the Apex. In some cases, a module may lose or forget this address due to one of the following:

  • A factory reset

  • Being disconnected from the system for an extended period of time

  • Minor or major hardware-related issues

How the Apex Handles Reconnecting Modules

When a module is temporarily disconnected and later reconnected, it will attempt to reclaim its previous AquaBus address by verifying that the Apex serial number matches the one it was previously paired with.

If the Apex:

  • Still has that AquaBus address available, or

  • Is expecting a module of the same hardware type to return to that address

…the Apex will allow the module to reassume its original AquaBus address and retain its associated programming.

If those conditions are not met, the module will be assigned a new AquaBus address and will load default programming.

Recovering Previous Programming

If the original AquaBus address still exists in the system but shows as missing, you have two options:

  • Reassign the original module back to its previous address, or

  • Assign a replacement module of the same type to that address so it can inherit the existing programming

Using the Module Replacement Task

The easiest way to recover programming tied to a previous AquaBus address is by using the Module Replacement task.

The following article provides step-by-step instructions on how to use this task to restore or transfer programming correctly.

 

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